On this final Saturday of the Big Ten season, No. 2 Michigan travels to No. 1 Ohio State for their 103rd meeting. This matchup has decided which team would be the Big Ten champ 20 times. In 1973, both had perfect seasons coming in, and the game ended 10-10. With today's overtime rules, there will be no tie Saturday. What each team needs to do to win:

The case for Ohio State:

The Buckeyes probably have the one player who could make a difference by himself in QB Troy Smith. The leading Heisman Trophy candidate can beat you with his arm (2,191 passing yards, 26 TDs) but also is effective when he runs.

And speaking of running, the Buckeyes' duo of Antonio Pittman and Chris Wells, who have combined for more than 1,500 rushing yards, form one of the most impressive combos in the nation. Key questions: Can they be as effective as usual against Michigan's stingy ground defense? Will they have to be?

Smith can throw to two excellent receivers in Ted Ginn Jr. (677 receiving yards, eight TDs) and Anthony Gonzalez (673 yards, seven TDs), and the Wolverines have been vulnerable in the air, surrendering 201.6 yards a game and 11 passing TDs this season. Ginn is also a threat returning kicks and punts.

Ohio State's ground defense, which is giving up only 90.2 yards a game and has surrendered just three rushing TDs, figures to be tested by UM's Mike Hart. But the Buckeyes also have a bunch of ballhawks, who will go get it when it's in the air. They are tied for first in the nation in interceptions with 21, led by LB James Laurinaitis, who has five, and CB Malcolm Jenkins with four.

The case for Michigan:

After last season's 7-5 finish, which left everybody in Ann Arbor feeling blue, coach Lloyd Carr wanted his team in better shape, his linemen trimmer and faster, and a more efficient and productive running game. Mission accomplished.

With junior RB Mike Hart healthy and thriving (1,373 yards and 11 TDs) behind a line that's taken well to offensive coordinator Mike DeBord's new zone blocking scheme, the Wolverines are 12th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 194.6 yards.

The Wolverines don't go to the air all that often (about 25 times a game) but QB Chad Henne (1,932 passing yards, 18 TDs, seven INTs) has three effective receivers at his disposal in Mario Manningham (26 catches, nine TDs, 20.7 yards a catch), Steve Breaston (48 catches, 537 yards) and Adrian Arrington (31 catches, six TDs). Breaston is also a dangerous kick and punt returner.

As impressive as UM's offense has been, however, the defense might be better. The Wolverines are third in the nation in total defense (231.4 ypg) and lead in rushing defense, holding opponents to 29.9 ypg. They've given up just three rushing TDs. If DE LaMarr Woodley, LB Shawn Crable and company can pressure Smith and contain OSU's passing game, it will be that much harder for the Buckeyes to get anything going on the ground.